Ireland

Ireland is surrounded by some of the most productive waters in the EU. The seven Irish FLAGs aim to promote marine and eco-tourism by taking advantage of the local biodiversity and protected habitats. Additionally, they look to leverage synergies with national/local tourism initiatives and boost the business potential of the small-scale coastal fishing vessels.

An Irish FLAG has supported a local, family aquaculture business that farms Gigas oysters to improve processing methods, reduce energy consumption and cut waste.

A local company set up by Achill community two decades ago, has created an aquarium in a disused building they own, engaging volunteers, retired fishers and fisheries-related workers. The Achill Experience Aquarium and Visitors Centre became the first cultural space in Ireland based on local fisheries heritage and remains one of the biggest attractions of the county.

Το Cuan Beo δημιουργήθηκε από μέλη της κοινότητας που ζουν και εργάζονται κοντά στον κόλπο Galway και είχαν επίγνωση της γενικής υποβάθμισης της ποιότητας των υδάτων του κόλπου όπου παράγονται τα φημισμένα οστρακόδερμα.

The sixteenth edition of the FARNET magazine explores sustainability, blue growth and the circular economy from a CLLD perspective. What have we learnt in the ten years since a CLLD approach was first introduced in fisheries areas under the EMFF? How can we position fisheries CLLD for the future? Is the circular economy key? These are just some of the questions addressed in this thought-provoking edition.

A local fisherman takes the initiative to explore how solar lighting might improve safety and make working hours more flexible at the remote pier where he lands his fish.

Ένας αλιευτικός συνεταιρισμός υιοθετεί τη νέα τεχνολογία για να διασφαλίσει τη βιωσιμότητα των αποθεμάτων αυτοχθόνων στρειδιών της περιοχής. Με τη βοήθεια των συλλογέων γόνων στρειδιών («coupelles») που χρησιμοποιούνται στη Γαλλία, η Εταιρεία Αλιέων Στρειδιών του Tralee κατάφερε να εξασφαλίσει ένα καλύτερο μέλλον για τους αλιείς στρειδιών της, όπως και για την τοπική παράδοση που αντιπροσωπεύουν.

Irish FLAGs have supported the development of six Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums (RIFFs) and a National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) to ensure representation of the small-scale segment of the fleet in regional and national decision making.

West FLAG supports business development among some of the most marginalised and remote communities in the country, including offshore islands and native Irish speaking communities where a seaweed company has grown from one to four employees.

The South FLAG area covers the coast of County Cork including seven West Cork Islands, from the Kerry–Cork boundary West of Lauragh, in Kerry to the river at Youghal. The fleet in the area is distributed across many small harbours and piers all along the coast.